“When you climb up a ladder,” Joseph Smith taught, “you must begin at the bottom, and ascend step by step, until you arrive at the top; and so it is with the principles of the gospel—you must begin with the first, and go on until you learn all the principles of exaltation” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church: Joseph Smith [2007], 268).
Sometimes that ladder of exaltation seems impossibly high, but we were born to climb to the top with the Savior’s constant help. Whatever limitations we may see in ourselves, Heavenly Father and His Son see something glorious in us, something godlike. Just as Jesus Christ “was in the beginning with the Father,” so “ye were also” (Doctrine and Covenants 93:21, 23). Just as He “continued from grace to grace, until he received a fulness,” so also “you shall receive grace for grace” (verses 13, 20). The restored gospel teaches about the true nature of God, and so it also teaches about your true nature and destiny. You are a literal child of God with the potential to “in due time receive of his fulness” (verse 19).
Like Jesus Christ, I can be glorified and receive God’s “fulness.”
The Prophet Joseph Smith taught, “If men do not comprehend the character of God, they do not comprehend themselves” (Teachings: Joseph Smith, 40). As you learn about the Savior by studying Doctrine and Covenants 93, look for what you also learn about yourself. For example, what do you learn about Him from verses 3, 12–13, 21, and 26? What similar truths do you find about yourself in verses 20, 23, and 28–29? (see also 1 John 3:2; 3 Nephi 27:27). The following questions may help you understand and apply the truths in this section:
What do you feel it means to receive “grace for grace” and to continue “from grace to grace”? (verses 12–13). If it helps, you could read “Grace” in Guide to the Scriptures (Gospel Library).
What do you discover in this revelation about how God helps you grow and learn? How does knowing this affect the way you treat others—and yourself?
What do you learn about “how to worship, and … what you worship”? (verse 19; see also Guide to the Scriptures, “Worship,” Gospel Library).
You might notice that words like glory, light, and truth appear frequently in this revelation. As you study verses 20–39 in particular, list the truths you learn about these concepts. Making a table like this one might help:
What do you find in these verses that inspires you to seek greater light and truth? Why are light and truth good titles for Jesus Christ? (see John 8:12; 14:6). How do these truths affect your life?
You might also make note of promises about your eternal destiny in verses 20, 22, 28, 33–35. What is the relationship between these promises and obtaining light?
Consider searching “Walk in God’s light” (For the Strength of Youth: A Guide for Making Choices, 18–21) to find out what you can do to obtain light and how the Lord promises to bless you. The videos “Light and Truth, Part 1” and “Part 2” (Gospel Library) may provide additional ideas.
The command to “set in order your own house” (verse 43) isn’t about organizing cupboards and closets but about teaching—and learning—“light and truth” (verse 42). Consider how you are trying to follow this counsel. What challenges do you face? Which truths in Doctrine and Covenants 93 can help?
What insights do you gain from these teachings by Elder David A. Bednar?
“In my office is a beautiful painting of a wheat field. The painting is a vast collection of individual brushstrokes—none of which in isolation is very interesting or impressive. In fact, if you stand close to the canvas, all you can see is a mass of seemingly unrelated and unattractive streaks of yellow and gold and brown paint. However, as you gradually move away from the canvas, all of the individual brushstrokes combine together and produce a magnificent landscape of a wheat field. Many ordinary, individual brushstrokes work together to create a captivating and beautiful painting.
“Each family prayer, each episode of family scripture study, and each family home evening is a brushstroke on the canvas of our souls. No one event may appear to be very impressive or memorable. But just as the yellow and gold and brown strokes of paint complement each other and produce an impressive masterpiece, so our consistency in doing seemingly small things can lead to significant spiritual results. ‘Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great’ [Doctrine and Covenants 64:33]. Consistency is a key principle as we lay the foundation of a great work in our individual lives and as we become more diligent and concerned in our own homes” (“More Diligent and Concerned at Home,” Ensign or Liahona, Nov. 2009, 19–20).
Consider showing a picture of the Savior and asking your children why it is important to learn about and follow Jesus Christ. Then you could read together Doctrine and Covenants 93:19 to discover one important reason.
You may want to choose several truths about Christ in section 93 that are inspiring to you and help your children discover and understand them (see also “Chapter 33: A Revelation about Jesus Christ,” in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 126–27, or the corresponding video in Gospel Library). For each truth you choose, you could give your children a word or phrase to listen for as you read the verse together. For example, Jesus Christ:
I lived with Heavenly Father before I came to earth.
The Savior emphasized three times in section 93 that we lived with God “in the beginning” (verses 23, 29, 38). To help your children discover this, you could invite them to read Doctrine and Covenants 93:23, 29, 38 and look for a truth about themselves that is repeated in these verses. Why does Heavenly Father want us to know this truth? You might also ask your children what they know about our life with Heavenly Father before we were born. To help them learn more, read with them one or more of the following scripture passages: Jeremiah 1:5; Doctrine and Covenants 138:53–56; Moses 3:5; Abraham 3:22–26.
You could also sing together “I Am a Child of God” or “I Lived in Heaven” (Children’s Songbook, 2–3, 4) and discuss truths we learn from these songs about our purpose for coming to earth.
To help your children apply the truths about obedience in Doctrine and Covenants 93, consider writing a few scripture references from this section on pieces of paper. On different pieces of paper, write the truths that each of these verses teaches. Your children could work together to read the verses and match the truths to the scripture references. Examples could include:
Verse 24: Truth is knowing things that are real in the past, present, and future.
Verse 28: I can receive light and truth as I keep the commandments.
Verse 37: When I have light and truth, I am able to resist evil.
Verse 39: I lose light and truth when I am disobedient.
You may want to share examples of truths you have come to know as you have kept the commandments of the Lord.
Adapt to the ages of your children. You know the needs and abilities of your children; feel free to adapt the activity ideas to meet their needs. For example, in this activity, if you are teaching young children, it may be better to focus on one simple truth from section 93.
For more ideas, see this month’s issue of the Friend magazine.
